Expanding fast scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon fiber microelectrodes to new molecular spaces

Prof. Yangguang Ou 

Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Neurochemistry

University of Vermont
 

Abstract: Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) coupled to carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) have numerous advantages as an electrochemical measurement technique, including typical nM sensitivity, 100 ms temporal resolution, biocompatibility, small size, renewable surfaces, and continuous recording capabilities. Due to challenges in selectivity, however, this method has been limited to the measurement a handful of analytes. This talk will cover two major areas of research in the Ou lab. These include: 1) electrodeposition of novel biogenic molecularly imprinted polymers on CFMs to enhance the selectivity of these electrodes for neuropeptides, and 2) expanding the detection space to short chain fatty acids, important molecules in the gut-brain axis. Together, these approaches extend the analytical benefits of FSCV and CFMs to two new molecular spaces and beyond.  

Biography: Yangguang Ou is an assistant professor at the University of Vermont Department of Chemistry. She obtained her dual B.S. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry  from Florida State University in 2011. O.U. completed her Ph.D degree at the University of Pittsburgh under the supervision of Stephen G. Weber and did her postdoctoral training at the University of South Carolina in Parastoo Hashemi’s laboratory.  The Ou Lab focuses on developing electroanalytical tools to measure biological molecules, including expanding the capabilities of fast scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon fiber microelectrodes to new chemical spaces.